Obituary for Mary Bean, August 23,1953 to March 22, 2015.
Mary Swindell Bean stepped into the arms of her savior Jesus Christ Sunday,
March 22, 2015. She is preceded by her parents, Joshua and Mary Shaw Bean, and is
survived by two aunts, Ann Turner and Jean ......., cousins Bill Turner, Scott Turner, Carl
Turner, and Betsy Berna, as well as second cousins Wendy Berna and Tracy.
Mary loved animals and at the young age of 9 began working on a horse ranch
near her home in Virginia. That provided her the opportunity to learn the many styles of
horseback riding, including trick riding. She also loved music and became skilled in
guitar and was a member of a unique electric guitar orchestra in high school.
Mary graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia
Tech) with a BS in Animal Science and Biology, along with a perfect gobbler call which
she taught to anyone who showed an interest!
She moved to Texas to pursue higher education and in the process a higher calling
when she received Jesus Christ as her savior. Her positive, caring impact on other's lives
was now set in motion.
She received her doctorate from Texas A&M University in Veterinary Medical
Sciences and became assistant director at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
Mary was a gifted administrator and elected to numerous boards and committees,
including the office of president for AALAS, a national professional organization.
Throughout her career she received many awards, including the prestigious Joseph P.
Garvey Award for meritorious and outstanding contributions in administration and
education.
After 19 years, the Lord plucked her out of the veterinary medical field and
dropped her into healthcare; specifically the arena of caring for the elderly. Yet, her love
for people not only impacted the lives of those in their later years, but everyone involved
in that industry. Staff retention soared. The quality of care received by the residents
dramatically improved. Her facilities consistently ranking in the top percentiles in the
nation, by establishing an atmosphere of integrity, trust and love.
In the midst of all her career endeavors Mary was a fierce athletic competitor.
She participated in biathlons and triathlons, was a successful semi-pro racquetball player,
played on numerous softball teams, took karate lessons, and at the age of 62 entered her
first off-road obstacle course mud run! She hiked some of the remotest parts of the
Grand Canyon, went camping every chance she got, and especially loved going to the
beach.
At the time of her passing she was surrounded by so many loving friends and
family. Minutes after her departure, as her body began to relax, her face became radiant,
and the smile she left us with was indescribable...leaving no doubt that she was walking
hand in hand with her savior!
Services will be held this Friday, March 27th at Covenant Church, 8690 Liberty Road in
Crossroads, Texas at 2 pm, with a potluck reception following the service.